Demonstration Farms and Orchards

The farms and orchards below are examples of what can be achieved in Northland with organic practices.
Please contact the respective owner if you would like more information about their farm or orchard.

FFIT - Organic Citrus

Jan and Ineke want to make the Crest Lane Orchard
a profitable business, producing high quality organic
fruit, by applying the theoretical knowledge into best
practices. At the same time we want to improve the biodiversity
in our property’s shelter areas.

Our
objective is to maintain the full organic certification,
with an expansion of horticultural crops on the current
pastures. Until then, graze and mowing the pasture to
keep the weed seed setting under control. Bring the
shelter belts to the required height to optimize light
reaching the fruit trees. Plant shelter belts around
the front paddocks before planting orchard trees. Bring
more biodiversity into the shelter belts, preferably
native trees and shrubs. Increase the number of free
range chickens - for insect and weed control as well
as improving soil fertility.

Mahinga Oranga - Organic Market Gardening

At Mahinga Oranga we grow pure food to New Zealand certified organic standards and teach people practical skills to achieve their own garden of wellbeing. We believe one of the keys to holistic wellbeing is the fertility of soil and support the philosophy (Healthy soils feeding Healthy plants feeding Healthy people or let your food be your medicine).

We believe the key to holistic wellbeing is in the
fertility of the soil and support the philosophy: "let
your food be your medicine".

We are working towards local provision for our community
by taking responsibility for the land that is in our
care, honouring the traditions of kaitiakitanga.